Application forms can be both frustrating and time-consuming to complete. In fact some universities are now starting to request a CV and cover letter without the requirement to spend hours on an often badly designed online form, which is good news. For those still required to complete an online application, however, here are some great tips.
Following the successful career progression of several female staff at the University of Warwick following completion of the ‘Springboard‘ programme, I share their wisdom and tips on how to approach completion of the application form.
- Apply only for things you genuinely want. Ideally have a vision for your career, what motivates you, what are you good at, what you get energised about and what you hate.
- If there is a contact name on the application for any questions, contact them. They will remember you when your application goes through. It also gives you a true indication as to whether you could collaborate with this person and it’s an opportunity to have a head start.
- If in doubt, apply for the job. Any chance to practice interviewing alone is so valuable. Even if it didn’t go well, note down all the questions you were asked for next time.
- Actually go for jobs. Don’t rule yourself out, even if there are descriptors or criteria you aren’t sure you meet. You don’t have to meet all the essential criteria to be hired: companies like to see room for development and areas to train people up.
- Desirable criteria are nice to haves so don’t hesitate to apply if you don’t meet these. Instead, show that you have done some research on the role/industry and organisation that relates to that desirable. E.g. Haven’t worked in Student Recruitment specifically for a job that desires experience in it? You can research and showcase your understanding of the stake holders involved, the issues they’re facing and understand what the job at hand will involve.
- Think about what you could offer to the role overall. How you can address the criteria creatively (maybe from outside the day to day activity of your current role?).
- Note down each essential criteria in the job spec and highlight key words for the skill or experience required. In your statement for the application, make sure you are mentioning these words specifically but also giving examples (1-3 ideal) to demonstrate how you meet as many essential criteria with either transferrable skills or direct experience. Some examples will cover multiple essential criteria too so your 1-3 examples might tick many boxes but still great to give as many examples as possible.
- Mention specifically essential skills or experience that you don’t meet as areas that you want to develop and are keen to progress in professionally.
- Evidence any experience you have through your statement. Include any certificates that may be relevant to the experience that you can upload.
- Check your statement, double check it, amend it several times. Ask a friend to proofread it.
- Send your application in early rather than leaving until last minute. This shows you’re keen and organised.
- Ask for feedback on your application. You may have not got the position for a simple reason. To know the reason and understand is worth everything. Don’t be afraid to ask. Take the feedback on board and use it towards your next interview.
Feel the fear and do it anyway. Susan Jeffers.
You often hear that women feel they need to fulfil almost all the essential criteria in the person spec before applying, while men are more likely to ‘risk’ applying if they meet 60% of them, sometimes fewer.
The staff who contributed their tips all had one thing in common- they felt the fear and applied anyway. By the way- each of them leapfrogged a grade in the process. Follow their advice. Take that leap and submit your application. The more jobs women apply for, the sooner we will start to witness gender equity in the workplace. You won’t get the jobs you don’t apply for.
Click on the links for more tips on how to prepare and the interview– also kindly shared by former Springboard participants who secured promotional posts.
Springboard programme
I’m now a licensed freelance Springboard trainer. Contact me through LinkedIn to find out more if your organisation is interested in hosting this award-winning programme from an award-winning trainer!
